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Divine Mystery

Danielle Parsons — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:13:31 GMT

I was blessed this morning at church. Our Sabbath School Superintendent is a very talented artist, musician, and writer. She reported about a goal she began at the beginning of 2012. Each morning, she reads from the Book of Psalms. She reflects on Psalms before beginning the day. Here is a powerful concept that she shared with us today:

When we are being creative with art, we are using our God given talents to honor God. Every human being is blessed with talents. When we use these talents, we are in a divine way in prayer to God. We are acknowledging the gifts we have been given. Here are some of the most commonly used forms of art humans engage in:

1. Cooking
2. Drawing
3. Keep a Diary or Journal
4. Music
5. Painting
6. Poetry
7. Pottery
8. Reading
9. Sculpting
10. Walking
11. Writing

So the next time I start feeling stressed out about the time it takes me in the kitchen each day to make healthy meals, I will try to remember that I am actually in prayer to my creator God. Writing blog posts has become a very useful skill. I enjoy several types of music. I go for daily walks. I do need to get out my paint set and create a painting. I should also do some drawings on the sketch pad I used back in college art class. I do keep a journal to record what my emotional life is like each day.

So I have plenty to do to keep my creative powers in use. Does anyone want to buy a television set? I only have basic cable and do enjoy PBS here in Southern California. I read that most programs on television actually work similar to hypnosis in turning off the critical thinking side of our brain. You can read more on the Natural News Blog

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Quick Rice Pudding

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:31:59 GMT

This is a warm, filling dessert that’s filled with health-promoting fiber and isn’t overly sweet. Brown rice is an excellent source of protective soluble fiber as well as the protein, vitamins, and minerals that are lost in milling white rice.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

1 1/2 cups plain or vanilla soymilk
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Pour soy milk into a medium saucepan and stir in cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Add rice, maple syrup, raisins, and cinnamon and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook 3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/4 recipe):

calories: 254; fat: 1.8 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 6.5%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 5.7 g; carbohydrate: 53.9 g; sugar: 21.6 g; fiber: 1.8 g; sodium: 57 mg: calcium: 142 mg; iron: 2.4 mg; vitamin C: 0.6 mg; beta-carotene: 1 mcg; vitamin E: 1.3 mg

Recipe by Jennifer Raymond M.S., R.D. found in Eat Right, Live Longer by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Live to Be 100 Years Old

Danielle Parsons — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:47:51 GMT

Here is an article I saw in the US News & World Report blog:

One of the biggest factors that determines how well you age is not your genes but how well you live. Not convinced? A study published in 2009 in the British Medical Journal of 20,000 British folks shows that you can cut your risk of having a stroke in half by doing the following four things: being active for 30 minutes a day, eating five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding cigarettes and excess alcohol.

While those are some of the obvious steps you can take to age well, researchers have discovered that centenarians tend to share certain traits in how they eat, move about, and deal with stress—the sorts of things we can emulate to improve our own aging process. Of course, getting to age 100 is enormously more likely if your parents did. (Recent research suggests that centenarians are 20 times as likely as the average person to have at least one long-lived relative.) Still, Thomas Perls, who studies the century-plus set at Boston University School of Medicine, believes that assuming you've sidestepped genes for truly fatal diseases like Huntington's, "there's nothing stopping you from living independently well into your 90s." Heck, if your parents and grandparents were heavy smokers, they might have died prematurely without ever reaching their true potential lifespan, so go ahead and shoot for those triple digits. Follow these 12 habits and check out Perls' lifetime risk calculator to see how long you can expect to live.

1. Don't retire.

"Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement," says Luigi Ferrucci, director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The Chianti region of Italy, which has a high percentage of centenarians, has a different take on leisure time. "After people retire from their jobs, they spend most of the day working on their little farm, cultivating grapes or vegetables," he says. "They're never really inactive." Farming isn't for you? Volunteer as a docent at your local art museum or join the Experience Corps, a program offered in 19 cities that places senior volunteers in urban public elementary schools for about 15 hours a week.

2. Floss every day.

That may help keep your arteries healthy. A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduced the amount of gum-disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Other research has shown that those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease. "I really do think people should floss twice a day to get the biggest life expectancy benefits," says Perls.

3. Move around.

"Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists," says Jay Olshansky, a professor of medicine and aging researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "It's like the oil and lube job for your car. You don't have to do it, but your car will definitely run better." Study after study has documented the benefits of exercise to improve your mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass, and bones. "And the benefits kick in immediately after your first workout," Olshansky adds. Don't worry if you're not a gym rat. Those who see the biggest payoffs are the ones who go from doing nothing to simply walking around the neighborhood or local mall for about 30 minutes a day. Building muscle with resistance training is also ideal, but yoga classes can give you similar strength-training effects if you're not into weight lifting.

4. Eat a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast.

Getting a serving of whole-grains, especially in the morning, appears to help older folks maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, according to a recent study conducted by Ferrucci and his colleagues. "Those who do this have a lower incidence of diabetes, a known accelerator of aging," he says.

5. Get at least six hours of shut-eye.

Instead of skimping on sleep to add more hours to your day, get more to add years to your life. "Sleep is one of the most important functions that our body uses to regulate and heal cells," says Ferrucci. "We've calculated that the minimum amount of sleep that older people need to get those healing REM phases is about six hours." Those who reach the century mark make sleep a top priority.

6. Consume whole foods, not supplements.

Strong evidence suggests that people who have high blood levels of certain nutrients—selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E—age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline. Unfortunately, there's no evidence that taking pills with these nutrients provides those antiaging benefits. "There are more than 200 different carotenoids and 200 different flavonoids in a single tomato," points out Ferrucci, "and these chemicals can all have complex interactions that foster health beyond the single nutrients we know about like lycopene or vitamin C." Avoid nutrient-lacking white foods (breads, flour, sugar) and go for all those colorful fruits and vegetables and dark whole-grain breads and cereals with their host of hidden nutrients.

7. Be less neurotic.

It may work for Woody Allen, who infuses his worries with a healthy dose of humor, but the rest of us neurotics may want to find a new way to deal with stress. "We have a new study coming out that shows that centenarians tend not to internalize things or dwell on their troubles," says Perls. "They are great at rolling with the punches." If this inborn trait is hard to overcome, find better ways to manage when you're stressed: Yoga, exercise, meditation, tai chi, or just deep breathing for a few moments are all good. Ruminating, eating chips in front of the TV, binge drinking? Bad, very bad.

8. Live like a Seventh Day Adventist.

Americans who define themselves as Seventh Day Adventists have an average life expectancy of 89, about a decade longer than the average American. One of the basic tenets of the religion is that it's important to cherish the body that's on loan from God, which means no smoking, alcohol abuse, or overindulging in sweets. Followers typically stick to a vegetarian diet based on fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts, and get plenty of exercise. They're also very focused on family and community.

9. Be a creature of habit.

Centenarians tend to live by strict routines, says Olshansky, eating the same kind of diet and doing the same kinds of activities their whole lives. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is another good habit to keep your body in the steady equilibrium that can be easily disrupted as you get on in years. "Your physiology becomes frailer when you get older," explains Ferrucci, "and it's harder for your body to bounce back if you, say, miss a few hours of sleep one night or drink too much alcohol." This can weaken immune defenses, leaving you more susceptible to circulating flu viruses or bacterial infections.

10. Stay connected.

Having regular social contacts with friends and loved ones is key to avoiding depression, which can lead to premature death, something that's particularly prevalent in elderly widows and widowers. Some psychologists even think that one of the biggest benefits elderly folks get from exercise the strong social interactions that come from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class. Having a daily connection with a close friend or family member gives older folks the added benefit of having someone watch their back. "They'll tell you if they think your memory is going or if you seem more withdrawn," says Perls, "and they might push you to see a doctor before you recognize that you need to see one yourself."

11. Be conscientious.

The strongest personality predictor of a long life is conscientiousness—that is, being prudent, persistent, and well organized, according to The Longevity Project, coauthored by Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin. The book describes a study that followed 1,500 children for eight decades, collecting exhaustive details about their personal histories, health, activities, beliefs, attitudes, and families. The children who were prudent and dependable lived the longest, Friedman says, likely because conscientious types are more inclined to follow doctors' orders, take the right medicines at the right doses, and undergo routine checkups. They're also likelier to report happier marriages and more satisfying work lives than their less conscientious peers.

This story was originally published on February 20, 2009. It has been updated with additional reporting by Angela Haupt.

Courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Fettuccine with Grilled Asparagus, Peas, and Lemon

Danielle Parsons — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:35:20 GMT

Asparagus and peas, with the lightness of lemons and parsley, create a beautiful springtime dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

6-8 stalks asparagus
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon, about 2 tablespoons
pinch of coarse sea salt
water
6 ounces fettuccine
2 tablespoons parsley, minced
1 cup peas

Directions

Toss the asparagus in the garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Grill the asparagus until it just starts to develop a few blackened spots.

The asparagus should still have some crispness to it. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch-long pieces. Bring the water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is al dente. Toss the cooked pasta with the asparagus, parsley, and peas.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/2 recipe):

calories: 375; fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: .7%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 11 g; carbohydrates: 77 g; sugar: 6 g; fiber: 9 g; sodium: 209 mg

Recipe from Jason Wyrick found in 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Alaska Airlines Prayer Cards

Danielle Parsons — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:42:52 GMT

For many years, Alaska Airlines has placed a small prayer card of one of the Psalms on the meal trays on its flights. Six years ago, Alaska discontinued meal service in coach class but continued to serve meals in first class. One customer complained and the airline has had several comments over the past few years. You can read the short story on MSN's site below:

Overhead Bin

I felt compelled to write a comment as I was an employee of Alaska Airlines for many years and saved many of the prayer cards when I flew on Alaska. Here is my comment on the article:

I have many of the prayer cards from my years of flying on Alaska Airlines when the cards were dispersed in coach class on meal trays. I appreciate the fact that some people are not Christian. America is predominantly a Christian nation and our founding fathers wisely separated government from religion. Those of you that are not Christian should tolerate those of us that believe just as we tolerate your right to your beliefs.

There have been many great leaders of other religions outside of Christianity. Please note the following:

Buddha ("the awakened") was the title given to Siddhartha Gautama, the son of a Nepalese rajah. Buddha's grave is occupied.

Confucius was a teacher, scholar and minor political official whose commentary on Chinese literary classics developed into a pragmatic philosophy for daily life. His grave is occupied.

Muhammad was the founder of the religion of Islam. Muhammad's grave is occupied.

Jesus Christ is the center of the Christian religion. His tomb is empty because Jesus was the Son of God and our human minds are not able to comprehend the awesome power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created the world in six literal days. There is evidence of micro evolution but there is no way a monkey evolved into another animal like a horse which is the logic behind evolution.

Many people are familiar with the verse in John 3:16. Read John 3:17 to understand the big picture:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

I chose to believe in Jesus, that He died for me, would have come to die just for me or you, and His grace saves me from my sin. Praise You Lord Jesus!

If you are in need of spiritual help, please visit this website for some excellent resources:

Amazing Facts

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Time Management

Danielle Parsons — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:08:58 GMT

Time Management

Two weeks have already come and gone in the New Year! I remember my grandmother used to say back in the 1980's that time flies by faster each year. Before you know it, January will have come and gone and February will be here. Today's short blog post is about managing time more effectively.

Time management experts share that setting a schedule for your work on a calendar is the most effective way to organize your day. I created such a planner several years ago.

I divided the week into days and hours. On the far left side of the landscape page is a wide column marked Weekly Schedule. Under this column I placed Roles and Goals and an area of white space to jot down notes. I also set an area with some empty blocks for Weekly Priorities. The next column towards the right has empty blocks for Today's Priorities.

I start my week on Sunday and run through Friday. I left the Sabbath column empty as I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and I do no work on the Holy Sabbath Day. I begin the time blocks at 08:00 and end at 20:00 or 8pm for people that are unfamiliar with the 24 hour time format.

Having a weekly planner like the one I created helps me list what appointments or commitments I may have that week. I can then schedule activities that I do in my business. One other effective tip I learned is to set a timer for 30 minutes and dive into a work project and do not get distracted while working on that task. You can keep repeating the timer and this process will help you manage your time better.

If you would like to download the planner I created, just fill out the form below and your privacy is my priority. I hate spam more than you do!

Full Name:

Email:

Please comment if you have any tips you can share to help others with time management.

Danielle Parsons
360-383-0265 Pacific Weekdays
Skype: DanielleParsons1

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

New Year Resolutions 2012

Danielle Parsons — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:22:14 GMT

Goal Setting

My wish to you is that you achieve all of your dreams and goals in 2012. If we want something bad enough, we will take the actions necessary to reach what we desire. This is day one of the rest of your life. Do you have your goals written down? If not, take action now!

Split Pea Soup

Danielle Parsons — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:02:39 GMT

1 ( 16-oz ) Package Yellow Split Peas, Rinsed
1 Quart Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
2 Cups Water
1 Package Dried Onion Soup Mix
1 and 1/2 cups Baby Carrots, Rinsed and Sliced
2 Large Vidalia Onions, Chopped
6 Stalks Celery, Trimmed and Diced
1 Large or 2 Small Leeks, Stripped of Outer Leaves, Rinsed, and Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
2 Tbsp Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
3 or 4 Tbsp Tamari or Soy Sauce ( I use Braggs Liquid Aminos )
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to Taste

1. In a large pot, combine peas, broth, water, and soup mix. Stir well. Add carrots, onions, celery, leeks, garlic, mustard, tamari, and balsamic vinegar. If mixture seems too thick, pour in a little more water.
2. Bring to a full boil over medium, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 2 hours, stirring and skimming surface occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for an hour at room temperature.
4. Puree, in several batches in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add pepper to taste. The sodium content made me decide to not add salt.

Serves: 10
Per Serving: 170 calories, 30g carbs, 11g protein, 1.5g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1,060mg sodium, 9g fiber

This recipe is from Judy Collins along with consulting by Jeanine Sherry and was in the Sunday Parade on 1 January 2012

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Happy New Year 2012

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:42:44 GMT

Just a short note tonight to all my blog readers from around the world. I appreciate your being a loyal reader and subscriber. I have added a goal of more interaction with my blogs in 2012. I am going to continue my focus on healthy living and health.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or someone you know. I am not a medical provider. I am just sharing knowledge that I have acquired from my own efforts at living a healthy life. I wish you a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year!

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Black-Eyed Peas with Sweet Potato and Greens

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:37:45 GMT

Made this delicious meal today while listening to the 2012 Rose Bowl game. A wonderful combination of flavors! Serve with brown rice or fat-free cornbread, with hot sauce on the side.

Makes 4 servings

1 package (10 ounces) frozen or fresh kale, chard, or collard greens

4 cups low-sodium vegetarian broth

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen black-eyed peas, thawed and drained or

1 sixteen ounce package of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked for 8 hours

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (18 ounces) vacuum-packed unsweetened sweet potatoes, drained, rinsed, and chopped, or 2 cups cooked

A few dashes of liquid smoke

I prefer fresh kale but if you can only get frozen thaw frozen greens in a bowl of boiling water. Chop and combine with broth, black-eyed peas, garlic, sweet potatoes, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Per serving (1/4 recipe): calories: 412; fat: 4 g; calories from fat: 8%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 32 g; carbohydrates: 74 g; sugar: 1 g; fiber: 22 g; sodium: 127 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Red Cabbage Slaw with Cranberries and Apples

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:34:33 GMT

This is a very easy, attractive, and delicious make-ahead salad for winter holiday meals. A blender makes the vinaigrette in a jiffy.
Makes 8 servings

Cranberry-Orange Vinaigrette

3/4 cup fat-free oil substitute (1 cup cold water, 1 tablespoon low-sodium vegetarian broth powder, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch)

1/2 cup orange juice

1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallion

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon agave

1 large clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)

3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

2 crisp sweet apples

For the vinaigrette: Blend the oil substitute, orange juice, cranberries, wine vinegar, chives or scallion, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, agave, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender. If making ahead, transfer to a covered container and refrigerate.

For the salad: Combine the cabbage, cranberries, and vinaigrette in a medium salad bowl and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. When ready to serve, slice the apples (with peel), add to the salad, and toss well.

Per serving (1/8 recipe): calories: 70; fat: 0.5 g; calories from fat: 2%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 1 g; carbohydrates: 18 g; sugar: 11 g; fiber: 3 g; sodium: 251 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Asparagus and Veggie Ham Panini

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:09:20 GMT

This Italian Panini will become a lunchtime favorite.
Makes 1 sandwich

2 slices rye or sprouted-grain bread

2 tablespoons Tofu Mayonnaise*

6 thin asparagus spears, steamed or roasted

6 fresh basil leaves

2 slices low-fat vegetarian bacon or ham, such as Yves Veggie Canadian Bacon

Spread each bread slice on 1 side with 1 tablespoon Tofu Mayonnaise and assemble the sandwich with the rest of the ingredients the way you like it, being careful not to overfill.

The easiest way to make panini is with an electric non-stick panini press or closed indoor grill. Set the timer for 5 minutes, then check the bread. If it is not as golden and crisp as you like, cook for a few minutes longer. Cut the sandwich into triangles and serve hot.

If you do not have a panini press or grill, cook the sandwich in a heavy non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, placing a flat heavy lid on the sandwich as you brown each side.

*Tofu Mayonnaise

1 12.3-ounce package reduced-fat extra-firm silken tofu

2 tablespoons cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 1/8 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Combine tofu, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, dry mustard, and white pepper in a food processor or blender (or place the ingredients in a medium bowl and use a hand-held blender) and process until very smooth. It will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Per serving (1 sandwich): calories: 308; fat: 4 g; calories from fat: 11%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 31 g; carbohydrates: 32 g; sugar: 0.2 g; fiber: 6 g; sodium: 825 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Cranberry Pear Cake

Danielle Parsons — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:39:34 GMT

Cranberry Pear Cake
This is a cake recipe that was in my Sunday newspaper LIfe section. The article and recipe is by Allson Ladman of the Associated Press. I have modified the sugar and flour and replaced with Stevia and Whole Wheat Flour. For the most part, the healthier alternatives do not make a big difference in how the cake tastes. You can find the alternatives to Eggs and Butter at your health food store.

Start to finish: 1 hour ( plus cooling )
Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 and 1/2 Teaspoon Stevia sweetener
1/2 cup ( 1 stick ) unsalted butter * Vegans please see butter replacement recipe at bottom of post
1 teaspoon dry ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 Eggs ( You can use Energ Egg Replacer )
3 Pears ( or one twenty-eight ounce can pear halves, drained ) finely chopped ( 2 cups total )
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour ( you could substitute one cup with Unbleached White Flour )
2 Cups chopped dried cranberries

For the frosting:

1 Cup ( 2 sticks ) unsalted butter, room temperature * See butter alternative at bottom of post
1 Teaspoon Stevia sweetener ( taste the frosting to see if you need to add another 1/2 teaspoon of Stevia )
Zest of 1 Orange
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon dry ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Eight ounce packages cream cheese
-Strips of orange zest ( optional )
-Dried Cranberries, to decorate ( optional )

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with olive oil spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper ( wax paper ).
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the Stevia, butter, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and vanilla until creamy smooth. Add the egg replacer and continue to blend.
3. Add the pears and flour and mix until combined. Stir in the cranberries. Divide the batter between the 2 prepared cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted at the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
4. When the cake is completely cooled, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter, stevia, orange zest, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon until creamy smooth. Add the cream cheese and mix until completely incorporated.
5. To assemble the cake, place 1 cake on a serving plate, spread about 3/4 cup of the frosting evenly over the top of it. Place the second cake over it. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, swirling the frosting. Decorate with strips of orange zest and dried cranberries, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

*Butter alternative:

3/4 cup coconut milk *
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt

* May use 1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut or raw cashew nuts instead of coconut milk, and increase water to 1 1/4 cups. If you have only sweetened coconut, the sugar can be rinsed out with hot water, using a sieve.

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.

It should begin to thicken, about the consistency of thin porridge. I've learned that this can vary with the cornmeal used, so if it isn't getting thick, add another teaspoon of cornmeal and cook a few more minutes until it is like thin pancake batter or porridge.

2. Place in blender, cover, can turn on low, then increase to high. Blend for about 1 minute until as smooth as possible. (If using shredded coconut or cashews nuts, blend for 2 minutes.)

3. Pour into a container; cover and chill. It will be runny, but sets up when cold.

This will keep for about 10 days in the refrigerator, but after a few days it gets stiffer. If this happens, just add a bit of water and stir briskly until soft. I like to make a new batch every week. If there is any of the old still remaining, I stir it into a frozen vegetable dish, such as frozen corn.

Makes One Cup

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Broth for Fish Recipes

Danielle Parsons — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:36:59 GMT

This is a recipe for a fish broth to make your fish meals taste delicious. This recipe was in my Sunday newspaper and was written by Jane Taschereau. I have modified the recipe by cutting the ingredients in half.

Broth Ingredients:

1 twenty-eight ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon each: salt, pepper
1/4 teaspoon stevia
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Directions:

1. In a large kettle, saute onion and red bell pepper in olive oil for about 10 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook another 3 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings, and cook gently for about 20 minutes.
4. Add your fish and return to simmer for 10 minutes.

Note: Broth can be made ahead and reheated when needed. Add fish and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with hot whole wheat bread.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Whole Wellness Club Business Opportunity

Danielle Parsons — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:02:37 GMT

Two People That Sponsor Two People

Are you looking for a way to earn income from home?

Are you under employed? Are you tired of not having job security?

Are you ready to fire your boss? Have you been outsourced?

Opportunity Knocks! Are you going to take action or just keep getting disappointed?

There is a powerful opportunity right here in the United States of America with a business established in 2007. Whole Wellness Club has been endorsed by the Better Business Bureau as having met all the standards of that organization.

Make sure you investigate all opportunities that are presented to you. The act of due diligence will help you find the right opportunity and you will be able to share the business model with other people. Being able to go to sleep every night realizing I have shared a reputable and respected company is the only way to live.

Our company is global and has seen incredible growth overseas in Africa, Europe, and Russia. People in Africa that have been living off of $400 a month have created another income stream that is changing their lives. Some of the largest distributors in the company live in Russia. North America is a huge market that allows for people from all different backgrounds to grow an income with the Club.

Here are some of the keys to finding a good business to work from a home office:

1) Does the company charge to join as a Member or have an annual fee for being a distributor? Is there a yearly website fee? Whole Wellness Club charges no hidden fees and you can join the company for free and begin earning commissions within 15 minutes of establishing your member account.

2) Does the company have products or services that are in demand? Will people order the products and services over and over again thereby setting up residual income similar to income earned by cable companies, insurance agents, and telephone companies? Yes, people in my organization have ordered products since joining my team in 2007. I still earn residual income from the very first sales I made back in 2007. Our products give people remarkable and noticeable results.

3) Is there a barrier to earning income with the opportunity? Whole Wellness Club has set up the narrowest matrix to allow average people to earn income in a simple 2 x 4 matrix. You only need to sponsor 2 active members to earn income in your matrix. The matrix keeps expanding as you fill it.

People that have never earned money in network marketing are earning anywhere from $100 to over $5,000 in the Club. Many people are just happy to earn enough to get their products for free. Many companies cannot make the claim that their distributors or affiliates are getting their products for free.

You can also build a large customer base of Preferred Customers and never work the Network Marketing side of the business in the Whole Wellness Club. Go out and over time establish 50 and then 100 customers and earn 20 percent of their monthly business volume. Once you have a customer base of 500 customers, you will have a large monthly commission payment coming into your account. You have a natural health foods product business and you have the advantage of not having to pay for warehousing products or leasing a storefront. The company will drop ship products for you.

4) Is the opportunity a here today and gone tomorrow program? NO. We started in 2007 with a detox tea. The company added a complete minerals product in 2008 and then a product to bring down blood sugar levels came in 2009. In October 2009, the highest quality enzymes were introduced and the Peak Digestive and Systemic Enzymes are the best available enzymes on the market today.

At the company convention in Santa Barbara, California in October 2010, the company launched Caldera Greens. The organic greens are grown in Utah in soil that is rich in fulvic acid and minerals. Dial 209-647-1636 to hear 5 testimonials about our Caldera Greens product and you will hear how effective the products are in improving people's health and well being.

Avazzia bio feedback electric stimulation devices were introduced in 2010. Space age technology is now available to help people manage pain. Two of the Avazzia devices have been FDA approved for pain relief. The other devices are excellent tools to manage discomfort in our aging society.

5) Does the company pay commissions on time? Yes, members are given notice of their monthly earnings by the 3rd day of the month and members that have the Global Cash Card debit card are paid by the 10th day of the month. The company treats distributors in the field very well. The company owner answers questions on weekly conference calls. The sponsors in the company are actively working with their teams to help them as they are able.

As with any opportunity, your success depends on your efforts. If you follow the simple process of inviting people to the 4 business calls held each week, you can build a solid business without marketing on the internet. If you prefer internet marketing, there are sponsors like me that are more than happy to show you how I work the business online and offline. Come to our Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday calls at 14:00 ( 2pm ) Eastern Time to learn more. There is also a Thursday night business call at 22:00 ( 10pm ) Eastern time. Dial 775-335-3180 and enter 530312 # when prompted. You can dial this number 24 hours a day to hear the 24 day challenge call: 760-569-6898 or listen online below:

24 Days to a Solid Business Income

After you have listened to the above recorded calls and decided that you want to build a profitable income earning asset in the Whole Wellness Club, go to my website and research the opportunity page.

Tell Me More About the Club

Call me with any questions you may have!

Danielle Parsons

Founding and Supervisor Level Member

360-383-0265 Pacific Weekdays

Did You Achieve 2011 Goals? How to Map Out 2012 Goals

Danielle Parsons — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:29:31 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I was on Jack Canfield's call today and want to share some of his wisdom with you my valued subscriber.

1. Did you achieve your goals for 2011? If you failed, did you make progress on some of them?

Instead of feeling defeated on any goals that you did not complete, write on a sheet of paper three horizontal lines with about one inch separating each line. Put 2011 on the bottom line by the margin where the edge of the paper is. List things that you were able to either accomplish or get started on in 2011.

Now put 2012 on the middle line by the margin. Set down a few simple statements on that line. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to help others in your chosen ministry? Do you want to increase your income from $40,000 a year to $50,000 a year? These are just ideas. Take some time on a weeknight or when you decide to focus on this training and get 2012 goals on paper.

The last line will be 2013. I am writing this message in December 2011 so planning for 2013 is only one year away. Do you have some goals in mind that you want to see accomplished by January 2013? Do you want to have more time for travel? Do you want to be able to help family with your time, talent, or money? Only you know where you want to be at the end of 2012 and in the future.

2. Set up a time each workday to check in with an accountability partner. This could be a business associate, your minister, a close friend or a family member. Spend 5 minutes talking with each other at 07:30 or another agreed upon time that is convenient for both of you. List 5 action steps that you will engage in to move you towards those 2 horizontal lines that are time line maps of your goals.

3. If you fail to engage in any activity or are feeling down about not achieving a goal, use tapping therapy. Do a search on Ask.com and you can learn about releasing negative emotions using this therapy.

4. Give yourself a pat on the back. By reading these messages and taking action on these ideas to grow your business, you are rising above the crowd. Sadly, many people opt for a door greeter job at Kmart and sit in front of a television at night instead of learning how to create a powerful business in a field that inspires them.

There is nothing wrong with working at Kmart. I would rather be in charge of my future than have someone else tell me what I have to do each day. Learning how to create as an entrepreneur is an awesome journey.

Danielle Parsons

Skype: DanielleParsons1

Touching Christ

Danielle Parsons — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:14:07 GMT

Grandpa's Hands

I'll never look at my hands the same!
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.
When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.
He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Grandpa smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

   • They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.
   • As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
   • They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
   • They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
   • They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
   • Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
   • They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.
   • They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
   • They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
   • And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
   • These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.
   • But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.
   • And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home.

When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life.
Let's continue praying for one another .

Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.
Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would have done.

Author unknown. Came as an email from a close friend.

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved

Oatmeal Waffles

Danielle Parsons — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:54:41 GMT

Healthy Breakfast

Oats are an excellent breakfast food because oats contain no cholesterol. Try this easy recipe and enjoy with some fresh fruit or pure maple syrup. It does cost a little more for pure syrup so I just cut down on the amount of food I eat and eliminated all animal products so I can afford to have the best pure Vermont maple syrup on a healthy waffle or pancake.

Ingredients

Makes 6 waffles

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups water
1 banana
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil spray
fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup for serving

Directions

Preheat waffle iron to medium-high.

Combine oats, water, banana, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. The batter should be pourable. If it becomes too thick as it stands, add a bit more water to achieve desired consistency.

Lightly spray waffle iron with vegetable oil. Read the instructions that came with your waffle iron as mine says do not use spray oils on the iron.

Pour in enough batter to reach edges and cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes without lifting lid.

Serve with fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 waffle):

calories: 132; fat: 1.8 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 12.1%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 4.5 g; carbohydrates: 24.9 g; sugar: 4.9 g; fiber: 3.2 g; sodium: 104 mg; calcium: 22 mg; iron: 1.2 mg; vitamin C: 1.7 mg; beta-carotene: 5 mcg; vitamin E: 0.2 mg

Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D. found in Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.

Adventist News

Danielle Parsons — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:23:48 GMT

Pumpkin Smoothie

Danielle Parsons — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:21:51 GMT

Pumpkin is a wonderful source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, making it a tasty and healthy addition to your diet. With autumn in full swing and pumpkin in season, be sure to pick some up at your local grocery to make this delicious smoothie, reminiscent of homemade pumpkin pie!

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

1 15-ounce can pumpkin purée
2 cups soymilk, or to taste
2 cups ice
2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, or to taste
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, or to taste (alternatively, can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is incorporated.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 cup):

calories: 95; fat: 1.7 g; saturated fat: 0.4 g; calories from fat: 14.5%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 3.7 g; carbohydrates: 16.8 g; sugar: 8.7 g; fiber: 3.1 g; sodium: 51 mg; calcium: 129 mg; iron: 2.1 mg; vitamin C: 3.4 mg; beta-carotene: 4920 mcg; vitamin E: 1.9 mg

Recipe by Mary Ohno

Copyright (c) Danielle Parsons.com All rights reserved